ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60039738

State of Florida • Bonita Springs, FL

19d

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I determines whether applicants and recipients qualify for government assistance programs, including Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance. The role processes information from electronic sources and enters it into a computer-based eligibility system in accordance with state and federal requirements. Work is high-volume and deadline-driven, requiring the specialist to prioritize and organize a caseload while adapting to changes in program policy and computer systems.

The position involves client interviews, reviewing and verifying application information, explaining required forms and deadlines, researching eligibility questions, and determining and authorizing benefits based on financial and family circumstances. Specialists maintain electronic case files, document client communications, investigate suspected fraud or identity theft, and keep current with relevant laws, rules, procedures, and policies. The position may involve face-to-face contact with clients and may require work during emergencies or natural disasters.

Hired candidates must attend an 8–12-week mandatory training course. Telework may become available after successful completion of training and consistently meeting or exceeding performance expectations. Candidates must complete required skills assessments during the hiring process and successfully pass applicable background screening before beginning employment.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, processing insurance policies, or determining eligibility; OR an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; OR 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, which may substitute for the experience.
• Ability to attend an 8–12-week mandatory training course.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determinations for multiple government assistance programs and their case administration.
• Ability to review images, including pictures or handwritten notes, to make eligibility determinations.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information.
• Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraud.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to enter data accurately into a computerized system and navigate computer screens and basic documents and forms.
• Ability to plan and organize a caseload to meet eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply detailed regulations and policy directives.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations accurately and rapidly.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to use computers and related software packages and follow written and oral instructions.
• Successful completion of required skills assessments, including typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and employee personality profile assessments.
• Successful completion of required state and national criminal history screening before beginning employment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process depending on agency needs.
• Telework may be available after successful training completion and demonstration of consistently meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learn and apply state and federal program regulations through initial and ongoing training.
• Instruct clients in completing forms and review submitted applications and forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using a computer-based eligibility system and current regulations.
• Research information provided by applicants until eligibility status is satisfactorily confirmed.
• Report cases in which identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and actions they need to take.
• Work with clients who do not take required actions within the specified time frame.
• Establish and maintain electronic case files and conduct regular reviews and updates.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintaining accuracy and processing cases within state and federal time frames.
• Compute and authorize government assistance benefits based on financial and family status, and review and explain monthly benefit amounts to customers.
• Stay current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.
• Perform job tasks in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers a competitive employee benefits package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Employees are encouraged to pursue advancement and professional development opportunities and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree